Work begins on second phase of landmark city centre scheme
Works have begun on the next stage of Aire Park, a new district being built by Vastint UK in the heart of Leeds’ South Bank.
The latest phase will see the construction of a new seven-storey, commercial building, boasting 75,000 sq ft of Grade A office space, and almost 7,000 sq ft of flexible ground floor retail and leisure space.
Aire Park will have 1,400 homes, and over 1 million sq ft of mixed-use office, retail, leisure and commercial space, and an eight-acre public park when the full project is completed in 2032.
The new landmark building, on the corner of Waterloo Street and Hunslet Road, will act as a gateway to Aire Park on the approach from Leeds train station and the city centre. it is designed by architects Cartwright Pickard.
Simon Schofield, Head of Development at Vastint UK, said, “With works beginning on our third commercial building, Aire Park is truly becoming a reality. Leeds’ reputation as a fantastic place to live and work has been widely documented, and we’re pleased to be playing our part in this by not only driving further inward investment, but creating a brand-new urban district specifically designed to prioritise healthy lifestyles and active participation in nature.
“As a long-term developer, we’re looking forward to seeing the development thrive over the coming years, and to working with a number of key stakeholders including Leeds City Council to improve connectivity, develop sustainable transport links, and overall help an unrealised area of the city centre to reach its full potential.”
Alongside a target BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification, the building, which is due for completion in early 2025, has been pre-certified for a WiredScore Gold accreditation and a WELL Building Gold certificate.
Peter Cartwright, director at Cartwright Pickard, added: “This is a new generation of office building for Leeds, designed to enhance wellbeing and productivity, as well as to strengthen a sense of place. Providing sweeping views across the city and a strong visual connection to the greenery of Aire Park, it seamlessly combines modern methods of construction with details which reflect the heritage and craft found historically in Leeds.
“Once complete, the latest phase of the development will make a valuable contribution to the townscape by shaping a key entrance into Aire Park from the city centre, while bringing the public realm at Tetley Triangle to life.”
The news follows the successful structural completion of the first 200,000 sq ft of commercial and 20,000 sq ft of retail space at the site in February of this year.
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “It’s really exciting to see the progress being made at Aire Park, with the plans for its latest building being a great example of the bold thinking that is driving both Vastint’s work on this new urban district and the regeneration of the wider South Bank.
“The ongoing development of Aire Park complements wider transformative work spearheaded by the council near the site, including the installation of the new David Oluwale Bridge, improvements to Crown Point Road and the creation of additional green space at Meadow Lane.
“We want Leeds to be the best possible place to live, work and visit, and projects like Aire Park will help us achieve that aim by supporting inclusive growth through the provision of new homes, jobs and opportunities for all.
“It’s also heartening to see the importance that has been attached to the use of sustainable construction methods in a building that promises to be another fine addition to the Leeds skyline.”
